The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Ingredient-transparent formulations
  • Clinically effective actives
  • Minimalist, fragrance-free options
  • Wide, customizable range
  • Occasional sticky textures
  • Potential irritation from actives
  • Hit-or-miss product efficacy
  • Confusing layering for beginners

The Ordinary earns strong reviews for being effective and ingredient-focused: many users report clearer, smoother, more hydrated skin from staples like Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, and the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Reviews also flag weaknesses: some formulas feel sticky or pill, certain actives (retinoids, vitamin C, high-percentage acids) can irritate or be too harsh, results can be hit-or-miss by product or skin type, and the range can be confusing without research.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,506 reviews and posts

  • Been a fan of ordinary for several years; and have always had good results. While it may be confusing to find the right “formula” - the website is super helpful and innovative and just guides

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    Continue to expand your portfolio

  • I mostly love all of the products from them except the glucose foaming cleanser, that one broke me out terribly. I love their serums especially niacinamide one. The caffeine eye serum has helped my fine lines

  • The Ordinary is a great brand for those just getting into a skincare routine (esp for Men). Their website is very helpful in assisting what goes well and their description is very detailed. I got my daily skincare routine thanks to their site! Their pricing is also VERY affordable.

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    Go to their website and it will help you appreciate and understand what is required for a daily skincare routine!

  • I have their "buffet" serum and the lactic acid. I have loved both, although I haven't seen a ton of difference, it is still very early in my use. I have used the peel before and it was too harsh for my skin. I love how affordable it is.

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    Great affordable brand if you do your research on what your skin needs.

  • great products at a reasonable price! love the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums.

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    products could benefit from more cautionary information because certain products are too harsh for most skin types and cause harm to users

  • Bought their hyaluronic acid B5 serum from Sephora on the recommendation of a friend. I didn't love it because the product was sticky after I put it on. However, the price point is really nice.

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    If the serum were less sticky I would have loved it. The price point is great and it makes your skin look nice, but I couldn't get over the stickiness.

  • I am obsessed. I don't know how they create such affordable and effective skincare, but I recommend their products to everyone. I especially love their Caffeine Eye Solution; I use it every morning.

  • Their peeling solution still has me on a chokehold. The way I can just use this and it makes my skin radiant is like MAGIC. I recommend starting slow, like leave on for 5 min to get used to the slight tingly sensation. Then work up to 20 minutes for best results. I use a ton of the ordinary products now and their quality and price are unbeatable.

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    amazing brand and pricing, i love that I don't have to WAIT for a discount bc the products are so affordable

  • I wanted to live this brand because of all the hype, but unfortunately the hyluronic acid and niacinimide serums made me break out which rarely ever happens to me.

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    I was very disappointed with the products I tried.

    Friends with The Ordinary
  • The Ordinary has truly revolutionized the skincare industry with their affordable yet highly effective products, and their glycolic toner, niacinamide, and lactic acid are no exception. The glycolic toner is a must-have for anyone looking to exfoliate and brighten their skin, as it contains 7% glycolic acid that gently removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. The niacinamide serum is a game-changer for anyone struggling with acne, as it helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and congestion while also improving skin texture and overall clarity. And finally, the lactic acid is a gentle yet powerful exfoliator that helps to improve skin hydration and radiance, making it ideal for anyone with dry or dull skin. Together, these three products work wonders on the skin, leaving it looking and feeling smoother, brighter, and more youthful. I highly recommend The Ordinary's glycolic toner, niacinamide, and lactic acid for anyone looking to achieve a healthy, glowing complexion. The Ordinary products transformed my skin better than any high-end products on the market!

  • I want to love the ordinary for their prices but I can never figure out what anything is or how to use it. The product labels often sound more like a chemistry class lesson than a skincare instruction and so I’ve never been successful with this brand.

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    I would love product sheets that explain why each product works for its purpose and how to use it by itself or with other products.

  • I adore the Ordinary! They make so many amazing products at affordable price points. Everything is straight forward. Clean and simple packaging. The peeling solutions do wonders for my skin.

  • I love the ordinary. It is extremely affordable compared to other brands that contain similar ingredients. The website makes it easy to understand the function of each ingredient in each product and shopping in store is a major plus. I was helped in the Soho store by a super knowledgeable employee who was able to help me gather a group of products that really helped elevate my skin quality.

  • I love this brand because of how affordable and effective they are. When I started out with skincare I didnt have the money to buy luxury products, this brand really helped me navigate my way into the skincare world without breaking the bank. forever grateful.

  • the brand itself is great and affordable. my only issue is with some of the products that are too concentrated and if not used correctly can cause issues with your skin.

    Feedback

    better instructions for consumers.

  • The Ordinary is an advanced yet affordable skincare line. I would say to do your research on the ingredients before trying because the do tend to be a little vague on how and when to use certain products.

  • I've been using the ordinary products for years now. It is so awesome to have access to affordable quality skincare that can be used to target different things. I really love their squalene cleanser and their acids. I highly recommend these.

    Feedback

    You do need to do your research before using these products! The names will not tell you what they are used for. But with a little research, they are high quality and affordable products that are useful in anyone's skincare routine.

  • The Ordinary has a price-friendly range of good, effective products; all of their products are under $20. Their website makes it easy to select and build your skincare regimen based on your skin type and concerns.

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    I found some products to be hit or miss - there's a lot of media written about the cult classic products to stick to!